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Thursday, June 16, 2011

Using coupons for good deeds

Times are tough these days, and money is tight. I know that's true for many, many people.

I wrote before about the importance of volunteering, and doing good deeds, but I know that not everyone has the time or the right opportunities to volunteer.

I've also written severaltimes that I'm a big fan of using coupons to save money.

You can combine those things - the desire to help out and a willingness to use coupons - and end up with a way to help those that are less fortunate without it costing you too much money.

There are a lot of coupons I utilize for things my family uses or eats. This works out great for stretching our budget just a little further.

But there are also coupons for things that my family doesn't use. And while we may not have a need for those items, I know for sure there are people who do.

Recently, I started focusing on formula. Cause let's be honest, I cannot bear the thought of a baby going hungry. I don't even want to imagine that.

I chose to breastfeed, which I think is awesome, but for babies in need, that's probably not an option. Since I am on all the new mom mailing lists, I make a point to use all those formula coupons I get.

And with those, I've been able to purchase this (and more!):

The local children's home is especfially
(yes, I really did just write that. I was thinking especially or specifically, and came up with that craziness)
near and dear to our hearts, so that's where we chose to donate the formula. But I know that the local food bank, or any sort of charity that helps women and children would be able to use formula as well.

I also find that I'm able to get lots of personal products - think toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, etc - for pretty cheap when I match sales and coupons, and I like to donate any extras that I'm able to pick up. I'll have to show a picture of that next time!

What ways do you volunteer, donate, get involved, give back? Maybe we could find some new ideas in the comments!

This is a great idea Megan! Sometimes with all the coupons I have I end up buying stuff that we don't use, so periodically I will go through all of my dry goods and canned goods, and take a bunch to our local food pantry.

That is a GREAT idea. I know that when my niece was born, my SIL couldn't breastfeed- some kind of infection? That's what they had planned on, and instead had to go the formula route the entire time. That stuff? Is beyond expensive. I always skip over the coupons we won't use but I think I'm going to try to pay attention to whether or not others could use that stuff. Thanks!!

This is such a great idea. Mr. A is a coupon fanatic. I don't have the patience (or the time) to wade through so many coupons every week, but he takes care of it for us, thankfully. (Or we would be screwed.) If one of my friends or my mom uses coupons that we don't use, we happily give it to them. Why would we just throw it away? Or, like you said, we buy it with the coupon and save it for when a donation comes around.

That is so great. You are a wonderful person for helping out. I donate everything to my cleaning ladies. They have a huge network of people who need all sorts of household items, cloths, toys and baby gear. I have an on going bag in the garage I put stuff in and once it is full I give it to them. We have given them stereos, TV, laptop, computer screens, cell phones and lots and lots of clothes and shoes. I breastfed as well but would always ask my pediatrician for formula samples (they get them for free) and give those to them as well.When my kids are a bit older I would like to volunteer with them...Daphne.http://fashiondivamommy.blogspot.com

such a giving and thoughtful heart you have!!!!! my first instinct would be to sell the unused coupons on Ebay..how horrible am I??? I DO love to leave coupons I don't use with the items at the grocery store, I love the thought of someone finding them and it making their day :) I need to get better at thinking of others in need, thank you for the inspiration!

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